Appleton: Momentum Important

Michael Appleton hopes that Blackpool can build on a solid defensive performance when they head to Fulham tomorrow.

Having kept a clean sheet against Hull City, the manager will resist making wholesale changes for the third round FA Cup tie as he stresses the importance of momentum.

"We put in a solid performance the other day and I wouldn't want to go too reckless in terms of changing too many things," he admitted. "There will certainly be one or two changes.

"It's important to try and keep momentum going. We kept a clean sheet against Hull so I'm conscious of not making too many changes and hopefully giving Fulham a good game."

Although the league will always take priority, Appleton insists that the FA Cup still creates that buzz on-and-off the pitch.

"It's a cup that people respect and it's certainly one that gets everyone involved in football, whether you're a spectator, manager or player, excited.

"We're aware of the quality that Fulham have got and whether they make five, six, seven or eight changes, they'll still bring a lot of quality to the table. We're going to have to be on our mettle and we're going to have to play very, very well just to compete with them."

One area where the manager will be short for options at Craven Cottage us up front, with Nouha Dicko and Wes Thomas returning to their parent clubs following loans. It means that new arrivals will be a priority on the back of the game.

"We may get away with it this weekend in terms of personnel and numbers but we certainly won't get away with it next weekend," he added.